Durham Region has signed a new Bilateral Agreement with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), formalizing a commitment to collaboration, reconciliation, and partnership.
The agreement was signed on July 30 by Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry, Regional Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Baxter-Trahair, and MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca.
According to Durham Region, the agreement establishes a foundation for government-to-government collaboration and sets out a shared intention to develop strong partnerships and meaningful engagement. It also affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples and advances the principles of reconciliation.
Three initial areas of collaboration have been identified under the agreement: ecological protection and restoration; economic development, partnerships, arts and culture; and consultation, accommodation and collaboration. A mutually developed workplan will guide efforts under the five-year agreement, which also allows for extension.
The full Bilateral Agreement is available on the Durham Region website at durham.ca/MSIFNBilateralAgreement.